Kayla shuddered, thinking of her grandma and aunt and uncles and cousins galore. Many with whom she was extremely close, as well as her best friends, and their kids, whom she considered her cousins. Imagine having no one? Except Kathy? Sure, he had the love of all his parishioners, being the pastor, but that wasn’t the same as a family. Being able to just flop down on the couch in a bad mood or feeling bloated and wearing the ugliest lounging clothes without any cares or worries were small luxuries of family life. Kayla couldn’t think of all the things you did with family. And with your loved ones. The things you kept from the outside world. The only people who got to see the full, unpolished version of yourself. Even prim and modest Kathy was different around the family. She told hilarious jokes no one expected from her. She laughed at silly things and probably wouldn’t if anyone else were around.
But Jim had no one. Not even Kathy. What would he do now? What woman could he have? Would he turn into a cold, mean, bitter bachelor whose interest in humanity slowly eroded?
It was fated to happen, and only a matter of time before Kathy realized the obvious. The duh of why she didn’t love Jim. Why she could never love Jim. They were great co-workers and loyal members of the same congregation. But lovers? Never. No. And married? It would be a miserable, loveless, unfulfilling marriage and they would suck all the joy and fun from each other. There was no doubt in Kayla’s mind of that. And if Kathy still had no clue, Kayla would have to simply freaking tell her. One way or another, Kathy had to break up with Jim. Then she could hopefully pursue the man with whom she had true chemistry, fun, humor, intimacy, and a caring relationship: Eric James. Not Jim.
An unexpected addition of extra guards greeted Kayla when she came home for the summer.
Rob received a credible fan letter threat. They received one or two every few years. People writing letters with personal details that suggested they spent some time observing Rob. It made Kayla shudder. What the crap was wrong with some people? Idealization to the point of fanaticism was lost on her.
Kayla didn’t get it.
But now they added more bodyguards to all the security details, Kayla and her sisters and mom and Rob had to be more careful and stricter about their schedules. No going out at all unless it was necessary or for work.
And gee, that was fun, since Kayla finished her school for the year. She was not to return until next fall and glad to be back home for the summer. Great. Time to really have fun. She wanted to visit her friends. Party. Drink. Relax. But Rob said no. Eric said no. Mom said no. They all said no. So Kayla had to simply stay home.
She pouted hard: bribing, whining, cajoling, yelling, but no one cared or listened to her.
Rob was appearing with Kathy for a church charity fundraiser. Kayla had the rare desire to go. She hadn’t heard one of Jim’s inspirational sermons in awhile, or Rob and Kathy singing together, which was always a treat. Kayla got a kick out of their combined blend of talent. One who was so famous, he got stalked and worshiped, while the other silenced her singing voice except in church.
Eric was pissed they were holding the event despite his warnings. He feared for their safety after the threats Rob received. Both Kathy and Rob defied him.
Kathy was putting Eric through hell ever since THE KISS. That was what Kayla called it the last month since it happened. Kathy’s eyes shot daggers at her for making fun of something so tragic. Betraying Jim made her feel guilty and horrible, yadda, yadda, yadda. Kayla figured THE KISS was the real instigator that would save Kathy and Jim from embarking on a long, loveless marriage and joyless sex. Better THE KISS than putting the onus on Kayla to tell her so.
Because Kayla really would have intervened.
The concert meant getting out and having something to do. Whew. There would be a lot of people there because of Rob obviously.
The day of the charity church concert, Kayla slipped into the seat beside her mom and asked, “Hey. Where’s Karlee?”
“She didn’t want to come. Another Rob extravaganza.”
“Yeah. Another one. You know you love it. You never cease to get a thrill from thinking of all the little twits who fantasize over your man, since it’s all you for him.”
Her mother elbowed her. “Kayla, we’re in church,” she hissed.
Kayla glanced around. No one paid any attention to them. The eyes of the crowd were focused on the front pew where Rob the Great sat. “No one cares about us. It’s true… and why does being in church turn everyone into fake prudes who don’t talk normally? If God’s listening so closely here, then he’s listening just as closely outside of here too.”
Her mom looked at her and finally laughed. “Kayla, you always have such a different view on things but sometimes I have to admit you’re hard to argue with.”
“Because I say the obvious and you just don’t want to admit it.”
Her mom smiled. “Okay, fine. I like to watch Rob perform. I always have. His voice… and yeah, he’s all mine. So sue me. I take pleasure in all of his concerts.”
Kayla laughed as she leaned her head onto her mother’s shoulder. “And that’s what I love about you. You’re so awesome. Motherly, but kind of cool. Kind of. Don’t let it go to your head. I see you perking up. You’re cool in a middle-aged, maternal way that isn’t a total dork. Not cool like me.”
Her mom chuckled and patted her leg. “I so
